ABUJA — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), and other political stakeholders have sharply criticised Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for urging the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, calling his remarks self-serving and politically opportunistic.

Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State and a key ally of the President, had on Monday appealed to the South-East to give Tinubu at least 90 per cent of their votes in the next presidential election, claiming such support would strengthen the region’s political relevance and “cement” its future aspirations.

“We must not be deceived again. Mr President must have the votes of the South-East up to 90 per cent to cement this relationship,” Umahi said in his statement. “We must rise to educate our people… If we want to be president, we must avoid the politics of hate, misinformation, and sentiments.”

The comments drew swift backlash from leaders of opposition parties, who accused Umahi of abandoning the South-East’s longstanding quest for the presidency in favour of preserving his ministerial position in Tinubu’s cabinet.

PDP, ADC, Labour Party Fire Back

Ken Asogwa, spokesperson for the PDP’s national leadership, condemned Umahi’s comments as “provocative and hypocritical,” pointing out that Umahi himself had previously advocated for a South-East presidency in 2023.

“In 2022, he insisted it was the South-East’s turn to produce the President. Now, suddenly, the region is not ‘ripe’ for the presidency because he wants to remain relevant in Tinubu’s cabinet,” Asogwa said.

He argued that Umahi’s remarks were driven by fear of the growing popularity of Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who he described as a “national brand” transcending ethnic boundaries.

Okechukwu Osuoha, PDP’s Deputy National Legal Adviser, echoed this sentiment, asserting that Umahi was merely projecting his personal views and not representing the South-East.

“It is wrong for Umahi to make such statements on behalf of the South-East. He speaks for himself and the APC. Nigeria is a pluralistic state, and the South-East has its own views,” Osuoha told The PUNCH.

ADC, NNPP, APGA and Others Join Criticism

Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, described Umahi’s statement as “divisive and politically dishonest.”

“When they say power should remain in the South, they don’t mean it in principle — they only mean Tinubu should stay in office. It’s a cover for perpetuating their preferred candidate,” Abdullahi said.

Similarly, Ladipo Johnson of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) said Umahi’s remarks, while expected in partisan politics, failed to acknowledge dissenting voices in the South-East, including those who oppose Tinubu’s leadership direction.

“Umahi is entitled to his view, but others in the South-East have a different opinion. It is a democracy. Let the people decide in 2027,” Johnson noted.

APGA’s 2023 presidential candidate, Chief Chekwas Okorie, said Umahi’s statement reflected “partisan interest,” rather than the collective good of the region.

“Dave Umahi is simply promoting the interest of the APC. He has to prove why Tinubu’s second term is good for the South-East,” Okorie said.

South-East Voices Divided

While Umahi’s remarks drew significant criticism, a few voices within the region offered support. Speaker of the Igbo Youth Parliament, Rikki Nwajiofor, praised Tinubu’s performance and endorsed his second-term ambition.

“President Tinubu has favoured Ndigbo in his first two years. We are fully in support of his re-election,” Nwajiofor said.

Edozie Njoku, National Chairman of the National Rescue Mission, urged restraint, stating that Umahi’s comments were premature since election campaigns had yet to begin.

APC Defends Minister

In defence of Umahi, the APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said the minister’s call was consistent with the ruling party’s broader goals.

“President Tinubu is delivering on the Renewed Hope agenda. He enjoys support across the country, including the South-East. The APC is on track to win in 2027,” Ibrahim stated.

As Nigeria edges closer to another electoral cycle, Umahi’s comments have intensified debates around zoning, political loyalty, and regional aspirations setting the stage for a fiercely contested 2027 presidential election.